Traditional Trades Advancement Program – Tumacacori National Historic Site

Build your hands-on preservation trades skills at Tumacácori National Historical Park through projects addressing a range of historic preservation needs. Over the course of a 26-week immersive experience, TTAP participants train and work alongside experienced NPS employees to preserve cultural resources and crucial infrastructure. This position is a great way to gain practical, hands-on experience and the foundation for a career in historic preservation. The projects at Tumacácori National Historical Park will focus on assessing, monitoring, documenting, and preserving adobe masonry. The ideal candidate is excited about hands-on trades work and should be able to demonstrate or discuss their interest in the historic preservation field. TTAP Placements must be able to commit to a 26-week term. This position is scheduled for May 12 – November 7, 2024 (with limited flexibility), with weekends and federal holidays off.

Schedule: Monday – Friday (every other Friday off): 6:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Location: Carmen, AZ

Skills Training & Support Provided:

• Brick and Adobe masonry
• Lime and Plaster mortar
• Assessment and documentation methods
• Hand and power tool use
• General preservation maintenance

Position Benefits: 

• $1,440 bi-weekly living allowance (pre-tax)
• $1000 Funding for independent professional development
• Travel and associated expenses for in-person Historic Preservation Fundamentals course
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority (at position completion)
• OSHA 10 Certification
• Training and networking opportunities with NPS and preservation professionals
• Local housing resources available; Housing on site not available

Essential Qualifications:

• Interest in historic preservation trades and continuing into the trades field
• Age restrictions: 18 – 30 (or 35 for Veterans)
• Must be able to commit to the project for 26 weeks (start date flexible)
• Physical effort is heavy to moderate for this position and requires occasional lifting or handling of objects or materials up to 50lbs, unassisted, following proper lifting procedures to avoid injury. Frequently required to stand while working, climb ladders or scaffolding, and bend, stoop, climb, and work in awkward positions.
• Interest in using hand and power tools in an outdoor setting to complete projects
• Ability to commute to project site daily
• Follow all safety rules and regulations and participate in ongoing safety culture of the site.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to pass DOI driver standards and background check driving govt vehicle is required at times.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Comfortable working at heights on scaffolding or ladders
• Local to Carmen or Southern Tucson, AZ areas.

All applicants must meet Minimum Qualifications to be considered for the position. Those who may not meet all the Preferred Qualifications are encouraged to apply! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the National Park Service partner will conduct interviews.

No experience in preservation trades required!

The (TTAP) is an internship program of the National Park Service for aspiring preservation tradespeople. TTAP participants train and work alongside experienced NPS employees at a specific park site to preserve historic infrastructure and cultural resources. These valuable resources need constant thoughtful and careful preservation, repair, and maintenance. By assisting with preservation projects, participants directly improve the physical conditions of nationally significant park spaces that are accessed and enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. Participants gain practical, hands-on experience and the foundation for a career in historic preservation. They learn the fundamentals of historic preservation and receive on-the-job training in one or more traditional trades such as masonry, carpentry, woodcrafting, landscape preservation, and more. The program is committed to providing all aspiring preservationists—especially those underrepresented in the trades—with a unique opportunity to work on important real-world projects while building professional experience in America’s national parks.

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. 

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.